Platform-balance



T. Y. JENNINGS.

Balance Scales.

No. 2,339. I Patented Nov. 10,1841.

N. PETERS. Pham-Lnhagnphnr. washing D. c.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEroE.

THOS. Y. JENNINGS,

OF GENEVA, OHIO.

PLATFORM-BALANCE.

Specification `of Letters Patent No.

Y 10 all 'whom t mag/.concern Be it known that I, THOMAS Y. J ENNINGS, of Geneva, in the county of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, have invented a new and Improved Method of Teighing Light and Heavy Burdens -in the Use of Jennings Improved Platform-Scale, by Lever Power; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description.

Plate A, Section lis an underside view of the platform or cover of the box. The frame work of the platform is of cast iron, 28 inches long by 22 inches wide and legin. thick in its thickest part, i-n which rests the wooden part of the platform-see Figure 2.

The rabbet at Fig. l, is one inch wide, leaving the u-pper portion of the cover inch thick. A rabbet is made, 19j 'inches from the extremes, in the upper part of the cover, one inch deep on the inside, which leaves inch thickness of iron all around, for the plank `part of the cover to rest in. The whole width of the under part of the iron frame work, all around, in which is the one inch rabbet, is, 2- inches-see Figs. l and 2.

A strong suitable plank, 25 by 19 inches, fills the frame work of the platform at the top, and rests firmly `on the inner projection at Fig. 2, or, vthe platform may be of cast iron entire-the surface being inch thick. In this case the plank is dispensed with. Many persons .prefer .the whole of cast iron. For the plank, see principal drawing-Plate T, letters Z; b.

The fulcrum rests or feet marked B- in number, com-mense centrally 2?,- in. from .the extreme of the cover, near each .corner `thereof, in the thickest part lof the frame work. They are 2 inches wide and inch thick at the base, and about-2 inches long, sloping in width and thickness to their termination hollowed at their bottom or extreme, into .a inch groove-see letter u. These grooves in the fulcrum rests (properly hardened in casting) enable the platform to rest and act easily on the lever Afulcrums, 5. The iron and wooden parts 4of the platform are Aattached together by screws, which keep the plank from warping.

The interna-l machinery may `be guarded against intruders, by having screw buttons attached to the thick portion of the frame work, and the cover locked on (before the 2,339, dated November 10, 1841.

rear plate marked D, in the principal drawing) is screwed to the bottom, and the lcover can be again removed by unscrewing. For screw buttons, see letters, C.

Plate E Sec. 2 is an inside vievv of the boxthe platform and levers being removed. The box is 26,i inches long from corner to corner on the inside, and 1911,- inches wide on the inside-of course the platform, Sec. l, will project over the box No. 2, and prevent the introduction of any small substances between the platform and the box, which, if thus introduced, prevent a correct weight. The extreme length of the bottom of the box is 86 inches, and its width 21ginches in rear of the standard curve at c. The bottom of the box is of cast iron inch thick.

The bearers, letter F, are 2- inches long and 24 inches apart. They are placed at 1% inches from each corner, measuring from `the inside of the corners along the side piece to the center of the bearers (F.) Where these bearers F, touch the side pieces, G, they are 22.- inches high and in. thick at their base, and in. thick at their top, where they are rounded off to the distance of of an inch from the side piece Gr, to-a point in the bearers marked fw. At the distance of inch from .the side piece G, at the point w, the bearers F, sink suddenly down with a dull edge, inch, .and the dull edge is continued on the rest or balance of the bearer, from the point w tothe .point *This latter or inner ,part of the bearers, from point w to point .is only l inches high. The rear bearers from point fw to point w are for the craw or bills of the long lever (at Fig. to rest :011. The front bearers, are for the craw vor .bills ofthe short lever (at 8) to rest and vact on. The dull edge of the bearers is suited for .the craw or bills of the levers to play on easily, and vthe shoulder of ,the bearers (at point w) prevents friction with the sides of the box.

Plate U, Sec. 3 `is an underside view of the .bottom ofthe box. The feet, Y, are blocks of iron castwith Vthe box. They are immediately under the bearers, to which, as well as to the whole machine, they serve asa support. These feet (Y) are 2 inches square at their base, lprojecting out from their bottom of an inch, and are beveled or chamfered down from .their .base yto inches CFT square where they rest on the floor. rPhe center of these feet (Y) is 2i; inches from the corners oit the bottom, measuring 'troni the corners toward the center ot the box.

Plate Gr, Sec. 4, is a view ot the sides ot the box. rPhe sides of the box are i-J,.- inches raised from the inner part ot the bottom, in. thick at their base and t in. thick at their top. rlhe sides are depressed with a. curve at Fig. 4, two inches from their ends, to ad! mit of Athe cast plates H and l; H in the rear and I in front. )ver these plates the platform A projects without touching. The curved depression, Fig. l, sinks one inch in the perpendicular, where are exhibited, at Fig. 4l, the beaded ends of cast plates H, and l.

Plate V, Sec. 5, is an rear end of the boze-3l; inches high, in. thick at their base and .42,- in. thick at the top-2O?,v inches long besides the molding. The molding (o, 0,) may be from el to le in. all around the box.

Plate H, Sec. 6, is a lower side view. This plate is cast separate. lt is inches wide, and its length is the width of the box, in cluding the bead around the bottom of the box. lt is l@ in. thick; it is rounded to suit the depression at Pig. et, on Plate G, and terminating at each end in a inch bead, and terminating at its rear edge also in a '2T in. bead, which beads drop closely over the ends of Plate G, at Fig. 4, and the whole ot the upper edge of Plate V. At a a are two knobs, at two inches distance from the end, at such distance forward ot the head c c c as to admit the 'upper edge of Plate V. These knobs, (a o) prevent Plate H from slipping ot from Plate V. rPhese knobs (a o) are in. thick at their base, inch long, and chamfered from all sides to nearly a point. They jut out from Plate H about of an inch. yPhat part ot Plate V, Sec. 5 which is marked H, is the upperside view of Plate H, Sec. 6, resting in its proper place. The letter .1 shows the holesl through Plates l', and .l-l which are threadcut to admit a inch screw bolt. Corresponding holes may be seen in Plates E and U, up through which the bolts pass, securing the l)ottoni and Plates ll, and l. iirinly together.

Plate l, Sec. 7, is a separate cast iron plate, upper side view. It covers that portion of the box which is 'from Z (Z (Q inches in rear of the trent covers) to the standard box. The widest part oi. l, Sec. 7, (the central part) 1l?,- inches wide. The ends, c c, are 2l inches. The rear of this plate is curved like Plate H Sec. G, to suit the de pression at F 4. Plate G. The front central projection of Plate l. is 6 inches between the points F lF and F F. lt each outer view of the corner of this projection, the lip or bead (g) extends out about ot an inch on each side of the standard box, to steady the plate.

These lips or beads are about 4.1. inches apart in the clear. to suit the size ot the standard box. This front projection ot Plate l, covers the bend between the plat` torni and standard box. rPhe object of this bend oi the box is to gain length of lever, and remove thc standard at such distance from the plattform as to he out ol: the \\'a v in weighing bulky articles. 'lhe bend therefore between thel main and standard. boxes, may have a curvature to suit the manufacturer. Ahead in. projection) commences at the rear of each end of Plate l, (at and passing around to the right and lett ot the plate. terminates (at 5.) rllhis bead is quently called a hang bead, as it hangs below the body of the work as in this plate. The inner part ot this bead is even with tht` out-er part oi' the box and bend of the box, touching them all around.

Plate K, Sec. 8, is the standard box. rillus box is t or 4; inches square, and is to receive and support the standard, the base or square part of the standard, filling it. This standard box, K, is raised to the height of the sides of the main box, G, and is of the same thickness. 7i: Ze is a view of the rear side of the standard box, in which is an opening 21- inches square, between Z and Z, lirough which opening the longl lever L, is intreduced into the standard box at its end, Pig. T. 1 3,- inclies of the rear side oit the standard box, yet remain, around the opening in /r/f: (see Z, Z,) which is yet sutlwicient for the sup* port ot the standard. rPhe whole of the Plates E, G, K, V, and U, are but one piece of casting. The plates A, H, and l, are separate castings.

Plate L, Sec. 9, represents the longl lever. This lever is 3l inches loiig, centrally, trom the bill center (Pig. 3,) to the center of the eye of the staple at inch trom thc front end ot lever L, at l1 T. YPhis lever is lgin. wide at the front or small end, Pig. 7, and one inch thick. 193,- inches from the center of the staple (n) at the roller, (Pig. t3) it enlarges to l?,- in. wide by in. thick. S inches in rear of the roller, (Fig. G) the lever L branches into two parts or legs, marked m, which legs extend at right angles with the trent ot' the lever, in. each, troni center to outside, giving these legs an agdigrcgate extent of l-linches. At this point each leg resumes at right angles, the course of the front part et the lever. rlfwo inches from this latter angle, are the itulcrum and guard and two inches iarther on, are the notches (3) to tit the bearers l", from if inward. rPhe t'ect of the lever. N, terminate one inch from the notches, lt should he remarked that the whole of lever li, curves very slightly upward, from the roller at Pig. 6, to each extreme, and also that said lever is strengthened at. ils

angles, by being enlarged.

lOO

llt)

The staple, is formed of a ginch iron rod, curved to an eye at the top su'liiciently large to admit a inch hook and leave room for pro-per play, say, el inch diameter. It is atlixed into the center of lever L, of an inch from the end of the lever, during the process of casting. In this case the staple should be about 2 inches long, including the eye. Or, it may be affixed into and through the lever L, by drilling through the center of the lever, and securing on a nut on the lower end, in this case making it 2 5 inches long, including the eye. It should be placed in the lever so that the eye of the staple opens to the front and rear of the lever. The lower hook of the standard rod enters the eye of this staple (n) from the rear. The roller, Fig. 6 71, 19?,- inches from the center of the staple. (n). This roller is in. long and ,-g in. diameter, of iron or steel, well hardened. lt rests in a cup or concave on the lever L, il@ of an inch deep and -1- in. wide, extending across the lever at Fig. This roller shows itself in its place in the machine. resting in a concave in the lever at Fig. G. inches in rear of the roller center, (Fig. 6,) is the fulcrum line. indicating the location of the fulcrunis, Fig. The feet of lever L are marked N. Into the lower part of these feet are cast the fulcrums (5) across each foot, and descending below each foot N, 1f inch. These tnlcruins are one inch vide, perpendicular' width. and extend across the bottom of ldie lever feet N, and beyond their outside a full half inch. The lult-ruins (5) are cast vith a dull edge at their top for the fulcrum rests of the plat torni, to rest and play on.

The guards are to prevent friction of the fulcrum rests (B) with the sides of the lever feet, N. They are a part of the fulcrum and the continuation and termination of the fulcrum edge, upward; for when the dull edge of the fulcrum is #s in. from the outer side of the lever foot (N) it takes a quartering upward direction toward the lever foot (N) `narrowing gradually until the guard (X) loses itself in the foot of the lever near its top. For further illustration of the fulcrum (5) and guard (X) see &., which is a representation of the chill or hardener used in casting, to harden the edge of the. fulcrum and the guard Fig. 2O shows the pattern of the upper part of the fulcrum, Fig. 2l shows the pattern of the guard in which the fulcrum terminates, and Fig. 22 shows the flange of the chill which shuts upon the top of foot, N, in the process of molding. Fig. 2l shows the notch tiled into the chill pattern, to shape the guards Two inches in rear of the fulcrum (5) is the center of the notch or lever bill, marked 3, so deep into the feet of the lever as to be on a horizontal line with the top of the fulcrums (5) and also on a horizontal line with the center of the roller, marked 6.

The centers of these notches, marked 8, are the point at which the lever rests and acts on the bearers (F) at the point w.

Plate M, Sec. 10, is an upperside view of the short lever. In this View we discover that, 8 inches from the center of the oval, at its end (at J) this lever also branches. into two legs like lever L, only in lever M the legs sink down on each side of the tongue (Fig. 241:) increasing the thickness of the legs (m) and rendering their thickness onehalf greater than that of the tongue (Fig.

24). The thickness of the tongue (Fig. 24e) is about l inch and l?? inches wide. The thickness of the legs (m) becomes 19,- inches at Fig. 28, leaving an indentation under the root of the tongue, (between 23 and 23) of l? inch for the action of lever L. The length of the bar or legs (m) into which the tongue (24) is inserted, is 17?; inches, and the bars or legs again sink down at the base of their feet (at Fig. 9) into a heel, producing 1g inches perpendicular thickness. From the point (9) the feet of lever l/I are provided with fulcrums (5), guards (X), notches and bills or terminations the same as lever L. The length of the feet of lever M and the distance and position of parts are the saine as in lever L. The notches (3) of lever M is the point where the feet of this lever rest on the front bearers F, at w, and the point (J) at the oval end of lever M is where the lips of the oval end of the tongue (Fig. 25) close over the roller (at Fig. 6, lever L).

Plate N, Sec. 11, is a view of the under side of the short lever last described. It is intended to exhibit the lower part of the fulcrum at 5, 5, the indentation at the root of the tongue (24) between Figs. 23 and 23 and the part this lever acts upon the roller in its place at Fig. G, lever L. The tongue (2st) of this lever is 1 inch thick, but it terminates in a half round at its end, which adds another half inch to its thickness, in form of a bead, entirely across the end. l?,- inches of this bead is now removed, to the depth of l inch, and a smooth flat surface secured (Fig. 8). This leaves a lip (Fig. 25) remaining at each end of the bead of 7,3@ of an inch thickness; and il inch of the half-round or bead (yet beyond the lower side of the tongue of the lever) yet untouched. Now turn the lever N over, place the center bills (3) on the bearers F, at ce, and bring the Fig. 8 (Plate N) to the roller, at Fig. 6, Plate L, and the lips of lever N (at 25) will shut over each end of the roller (Fig. G) and secure the roller in its concave from escaping in the process of weighing. See Plate Z. The use of this roller is indispensable in the easy and true use of the balance.

Plate O, Sec. 12, is a quarter view of the standard, square at the base and of suitable size to suit the standard boX K. Fio'. l0 shows the opening through which the end of lever L passes into the standard. rlhe standard is ot' wood, 32 inches long, bored through the center with a 111- or l inch auger. rlfhe top is mortised out life or 2 inches wide and 5 or inches long, for the bar and clevies ot the scales to act in. The mortise is marked ll. A brace (l2) is inserted into the top of the mortise (ll). rlhe brace (19.) is l inch thick by 8 in. long and 3 in. wide. A. groove is cut into the upper extreme ot the mortise (ll) one inch down and inch all around the mortise, and the brace (l2) just fills this groove and is even with the ripper end of the standard. rlhe brace (12) is attached lirmly to the cap (13) by screws. The cap (13) is 2 feet long, and at the standard is 4J,- in. wide to project EL; in. over the standard all around, but tapers from the standard to inches in width at its termination. r)he cap is one inch thick. The screw shank of the clevy, S S, passes through the brace (l2) and is secured by a nut. A partial mortise must be made in the lower side ot the cap for the nut and end ot the screw shank to rest in. ln this clevy (marked S S at the top) hangs the scale beam l). The iron standard rod (of in. diameter and of sufficient length) epnnects the long lever L, at letter a, near FipzT, with the lower clevy at Figflll, by a hook at each end ot the rod.

ljlate l), Sec. l2, is a view ot the scale bar or beam with the relative position ot the sustaining clevies, S, S, above and g, o, bel w. The scale beam is of iron, brass, or steel, lf) inches long trom end to end, two inches wideat the clevy end, and i'ull in. thick. rhree inches from the extreme lett, the beam is suddenly reduced from the top, to in. width, and from tl point gradually tapers, ou the top, down to or l inch wide at the foot of the curve on the right, at Fig. l5. The upper enge ot the beam is chamtfered gradually down to in. thick tor notching, and the lower edge diminishes to 1 1,- inch thickness at the toot of the curve. The curi'ed portion of the leam, at Fig. l5, is about 2lin. diameter, of an inch wide and heh thick. The highest portion of the curve plays in an oliilong opening through a sheet iron or brass s ay which is firmly secured to the cap (see Plate O, Fig. 1G). T ie relative position of this oblong opening in the stay. should be such, that the beam will be exactly horizontal when the scales are idle, and the curve ot' the beam rests on the base ot' the oblong opening. The play ot the beam up and down in this opening, should not be more than Q1' inch. The plan ot these scales throughout is such as is best calculated to prevent 1 iction The clevies play on tulcrums, and are l-- in. apart, horizontally, from center to center, and about 2 inches apart in a quartering direction from center to center.

rhe clevy S, S, is open 11- in. distance above the upper extreme ot' the ulcrum holes, and the clevy, (shoulder and screw) extends above this point about lin. more; which with the lip below the ulcrum holes, makes the clevy, S, S, about inches long.

To prevent friction, or the beam with the clevy, the clevies are prepared with guards. An idea of these guards may he gained by casting the eye just below the clevy holes (drawing 27,) on the guard line, at letters i5. rlhese guards, t, t, jut out from the lips ot the clevy just above the tulcrum on the lower clevy (g 1]) and below the ulcrum on the upper clevy (S,S,). rlhe guards (t, L",) as they jut out from the lip of the clevy, just below and above the iulcrum holes, fall gently from a horizontal line as they jut, and when they have extended out from the lip of an inch, they gradually incline downward and lose 'themselves in the lip of the clevy near its termination. rEhe width ot' the guards t) is about lin. at their base, and they touch the scale beam with a dull edge. rl`he distance 'trom the upper part or dull edge ot the itulcrum, in the clevy g (1, to the hook at the upper end of the stant ard rod, should be about 2 inches. The wide part of the scale beam l), is for the proper disposition of the clevies, S, S, and o, o'. The clevy tulcrums are ot hardened steel, the guards throughout are hardenedi`or friction is allayed by heightening the temper as well as by polishing the surtace of con'tlicting substances. rlhe feet, B, or fulcrum. rests, are cast on chills at u. rlhe beams, l", are cast on chills from w to rlhe bill centers ot the ieet oit the levers, are cast on chills. The tulcrums are cast on chills, of which there is the view oil a chill pattern rerersed, marked t, which also embraces the guards rlfhe clevies may be ot iron or brass, but their guards should be of hardened steel.

Another method of tiring this machine, is, to dispense with the tulcrum rests (l) ot the platform A, and in their stead hang hardened cast iron rings upon the iulcrums (5) Ytor the platform A to rest on. rlhese rings should be Q inches diameter, with one inch opening, in. thick at the opening and in. thick at the edge. The present guards (X) ot the AFulcrum (5) are not only retained, but another guard or lip is cast on the upper outer edge of the tulcrum (like guard X) to hold the rings to their place. Also, the box E, and beams, l?, must be raised one inch above their present height to give room tor projer rings. But this method is not preferred, but to return to the plan that is preferred. The weights are: The poise Q which is l@ in. diameter llt) and 13, in. long, tapering some to the top, where, in the center, the eye is fixed. Into this eye is hooked a rod or wire (from 2 to inches long) by which the poise, Q., hangs on the beam, l), by a hook at the top of the wire or rod. The rod and hook should be so bent that no part of either will touch the beam, excepting' the center of the hook. The poise, Q, belongs in the iirst notch of the beam when the scale is on a balance-the balance weight hanging at the end of the beam. The balance, R, is 2 inches in diameter and J,- inch thick. A rod, 8 in. long` is fastened through the center of the balance, by drilling, which rod has a hook at the upper end, by which it is hung into the extreme right end of the beam at Fig. 18. The weights, S, S, are Bil in. diameter', and 'l in. thick for 100 lbs., of an inch thick for 200 lbs., and one inch thick for 300 lbs., and so on in this proportion. An opening` is left in these weights, from the edge to the center, sufficiently wide to admit the wire of the balance weight, and as many such weights may be prepared as the scales may require.

The machine here described is calculated to weigh from one pound to 1200 lbsdthe weights S, S, giving the hundreds, the poise showing the odd pounds. The first notch in the beam is the balance notches, which is the place for the poise when the scales are on a balance. The distance of the notches on the beam is about lof an inch, and every notch to the right of the balance notch, counts one pound. Halves and quarters of pounds may be weighed by making lesser notches at proper distances between the one pound notches.

The process of balancing the beam P, isplace the poise, Q., in the balance notch, then attach a temporary balance to the end, about the weight of t-he real balance, then place 100 lbs. on the platform, and move the poise to the right until it balances; if the poise fall short of 100 lbs. on the beam, the poise must be drilled and made lighter until it belongs in the 100 lbs. notch. 1f it go beyond the 100 lbs. notch it must be leaded until it tit the 100 lbs. notch. The poise is cast with a hole in the bottom which may be drilled larger or leaded as may be required. `When the poise is mad-e to stand at the 100 lbs. notch, remove the 100 lbs. substance from the platform, and place the poise back in the balance notch, and if the beam is then balanced, the poise is correct; if not, add or diminish the temporary balance until it is correct; then replace the 100 lbs. on the platform, place the poise in the 100 lbs. notch again and add or diminish the poise until correct and accurate. W'hen the poise is of the right weight, remove the temporary and hang the real balance in its place, and lead or drill the real balance until the scale is accurately balanced-the curve of the beam touching no place in the stay.

Another mode of balancing the beam is, cast two loop holes on the lower edge of the scale beam, one at the corner (30) the other 5 or 6 inches forward of it at (4:0) with a thread to admit of a J.; inch screw. A ball, (50) in. diameter is cast on the end of an iron rod of 2 in. diameter, and 8 or 9 inches long, with a scr-ew, on the other end of the rod. Mortise through the standard and insert the rod through the loop at 30) and screw it forward into the other loop (40) until the beam is accurately balanced.

The weights S, S, are made correct by leadingor drilling and trying them by known weights on the platform. .vThese weights S, S, in the process of weighing are placed o-n the balance.

T, is a quarter view of the machine-perfected and in the act of weighing.

To make fl00r-sc'aZes.-The iron box may be dispensed with, but the iron frame of the platform must be retained, and an iron rim two inches wide placed firmly on bed timbers embracing and supporting the bearers. The principle for floor scales is the same as the foregoing, only the scale is enlarged.

T 0 mfr/ce hcg/-scclea-The iron levers may be used or dispensed with and wooden ones used as substitute, by bolting iron bearers to timbers, and irons on wooden levers, for fulcrums, and irons for notches, at Fig. 3. The distance fro-m these notches at Fig. 3, to the fulcrums at Fig. 5, should not exceed fl; inches-other parts as large as may be wanted. Fulcrum steps, of iron, should be bolted to the timbers. The principle for hay scales is the same, only the scale is enlarged.

wWhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The method of combining the two levers so as to lessen the friction at the point where they come in contact, by employing a. roller, 6, in a cup or concavity on the surface of the long lever, upon which the lip or extremity of the short lever closes in such a manner as to work easily upon it, at the same time preventing by the peculiarity of its construction, the escape of the roller, all as set forth.

rnoivntsV Y. JnNNiNGs.

Witnesses R. L. BARTHoLoMnw, LYMAN CURTIS. 

